Doug Morris Prepares To Get Stepped On By Hollywood Tourists

Dan Gibson | June 20, 2008 10:30 am
dontworrydougifyourpicturesontheinternetitdoesntstealyoursoul.jpg

Being immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has to be one of the strangest honors in the entertainment industry. A shadowy committee meets once a year to select honorees, who apparently have to promise that they’ll show up to the ceremony with something to promote and cough up $25,000 for the “privilege.” In other words, It’s like a Grammy, but they give out fewer of them. However, this year, the committee clearly got it right, as Universal Music Group head honcho Doug Morris will be recieving a star, joining a roster of luminaries that includes Paula Abdul, Judge Judy, and Stepin Fetchit. Congrats, Dougie!

You might assume that Doug is be given the star for his stalwart pose against technology, or as some might call it “progress”. However, Doug had an legacy already built for himself before taking UMG to the top. He wrote the Chiffons’ hit “Sweet Talkin’ Guy”:

You can even still listen to the track on YouTube, albeit as the soundtrack to a tribute to JFK.

His label, Big Tree Records, brought us such artistically groundbreaking acts as England Dan & John Ford Coley, Brownsville Station, and Lobo.

Sadly, the Lobo he popularized was not the comical television sheriff, but a sensitive singer/songwriter.

Morris isn’t the only legend with ties to music the committee chose to honor this year. Look at the stature of these honorees, and you’ll understand why they’ll have stars next to Keanu Reeves, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and the televison show Rugrats.

John Stamos!

Dave Koz!

Robert Downey, Jr.!

The Village People!

The Miracles, Babyface, Shakira, and Rush will receive stars, too. Of course, let’s not let that take away from Doug’s moment in the sun. Enjoy it, before your customers take away the last bit of enjoyment you find in your job.

Diaz, Downey, Jackman Flex Star Power [E! Online]